Budapest Satisfaction anticipated to be a rallying cry towards Orbán’s rollback of rights
Good morning and welcome to the Europe dwell weblog. My identify is Tom Ambrose and I’ll be bringing you all the newest information strains.
We begin with information that file numbers of persons are anticipated to participate in Budapest Satisfaction on Saturday. Hungarians will be a part of forces with campaigners and politicians from throughout Europe within the march that has change into a potent image of pushback towards the Hungarian authorities’s regular rollback of rights.
“This weekend, all eyes are on Budapest,” Hadja Lahbib, the European commissioner for equality, advised reporters within the Hungarian capital on Friday.
“That is larger than one Satisfaction celebration, one Satisfaction march. It’s about the proper to be who you might be, to like who you need, whether or not it’s in Budapest, in Brussels or anyplace else.”
The nation’s fundamental Satisfaction march was solid into doubt earlier this 12 months after the nation’s ruling Fidesz get together – led by the rightwing populist Viktor Orbán – backed laws that created a authorized foundation for Satisfaction to be banned, citing a extensively criticised want to guard kids.
The federal government additionally stated it will use facial recognition software program to determine individuals attending any banned occasions, doubtlessly fining them as much as €500 (£425).
The transfer brought about outrage from inside Hungary and past, turning Budapest Satisfaction right into a rallying cry towards a authorities that has lengthy confronted criticism for weakening democratic establishments and steadily undermining the rule of regulation.
Learn the total story right here:
In different developments:
Extreme climate warnings have been issued throughout southern Europe, together with in Italy, Spain and Portugal, with temperatures anticipated to get near or domestically even above 40C this weekend, prompting considerations about well being hazards and wildfires (14:32).
Anticipated temperatures on early Saturday afternoon: Madrid 38C, Thessaloníki 38C, Florence 38C, Rome 37C, Lisbon 36C, Tirana 36C, Athens 35C.
Will probably be scorching in Paris (32C) and nonetheless heat in London and Berlin 28C, and in Brussels 27C.
European leaders did not agree on the newest, 18th, bundle of sanctions finally evening’s European Council assembly in Brussels, with Hungary and Slovakia holding agency of their opposition to the proposed measures.
But it surely’s price noting that the EU has agreed on rolling over the already current sanctions towards Russia, which have been attributable to expire.
In Germany, lawmakers agreed to droop household reunification rights for refugees with out asylum standing as conservative chancellor Friedrich Merz’s authorities pursues a crackdown on immigration.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Estonia’s acknowledged intention to let Nato allies’ nuclear-capable plane use its territory was a direct risk to Moscow.
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Sam Jones
Authorities throughout Europe are on alert as the primary heatwave of the summer time pushes temperatures as much as 42C (107.6F), because the fastest-warming continent continues to endure the results of the local weather emergency.
Spain’s state meteorological workplace, Aemet, issued a particular warmth warning on Friday, saying temperatures may attain 42C in some southern areas of the nation over the approaching days.
“Very excessive and chronic temperatures are anticipated, each in the course of the day and at evening, which may pose a threat to uncovered and/or weak individuals,” Aemet stated.
Madrid’s well being ministry additionally warned individuals to take additional care within the warmth, reminding them to remain out of the solar, hold hydrated and pay shut consideration to those that are older, pregnant or who’ve power well being situations.
Two-thirds of Portugal can be on excessive alert on Sunday for excessive warmth and forest fires as temperatures of as much as 42C are anticipated in Lisbon.
As temperatures in Marseille method 40C, authorities in France’s second-largest metropolis have ordered public swimming swimming pools to be made freed from cost to assist residents beat the Mediterranean warmth.
With peaks of 39C anticipated in Naples and Palermo, Sicily has ordered a ban on out of doors work within the hottest hours of the day, as has the Liguria area in northern Italy. The nation’s commerce unions are campaigning to increase the measure to different areas.
ShareAn individual holds an indication throughout The Budapest Satisfaction March in Budapest. {Photograph}: Lisa Leutner/ReutersShareIndividuals attend the Budapest Satisfaction March in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday. {Photograph}: Bernadett Szabó/ReutersShare
By Lili Rutai in Budapest
“I’m a Budapest resident, who cares about freedom,” says Mici, 21, a pupil who has been to a number of satisfaction marches, however thought of coming to this one rigorously due to the reported facial recognition system.
She has sought authorized recommendation on what to do if she encounters police, however she felt secure within the crowd. “At first, I used to be scared to return out due to the information, however I really feel secure with so many individuals.”
“We are able to’t simply say that it’s not going to alter, and never take part,” she provides. “I feel the crowds from throughout Europe, the file numbers, will make Hungarian individuals see that this trigger is well-supported.” She “hopes” it’s going to additionally change the federal government’s view.
Elton, 30, a Brazilian residing in Hungary wore a hat and sun shades. He was afraid for his job and immigration standing, however his Hungarian boyfriend persuaded him to attend. “That is my second time at Satisfaction, however the first time I really feel insecure about it,” he stated.
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By Lili Rutai in Budapest
“At the least this introduced the household collectively,” says Timi, 49, who got here with 23-year-old daughter, Zsófi. Zsófi lives in Barcelona, and got here house for Satisfaction.
She has attended a number of marches earlier than, however that is the primary time she introduced her dad and mom alongside. They’re among the many many for whom the restrictions on meeting have been the final straw. “We got here (to Satisfaction) as a result of they tried to ban it,” Timi says. “And we stand for each minority.”
Viki Márton, 46, a single guardian, got here along with her 9-year-old daughter. For each of them, that is the primary time at Satisfaction. She was widowed, and, and not using a husband “this regime doesn’t deal with us like a household,” she says, so she sympathises with sexual minorities. They got here geared up with hats, water spray, and a swimsuit, extra anxious about warmth than right-wing protesters.
“I would like her to see the fact,” Márton added. “And I’m so excited to be right here!”
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Listed here are some views from individuals attending the march in Budapest.
“The best to meeting is a fundamental human proper, and I don’t suppose it needs to be banned. Simply because somebody doesn’t like the rationale why you go to the road, or they don’t agree with it, you continue to have the proper to take action,” Krisztina Aranyi stated.
“That is about far more, not nearly homosexuality, …. That is the final second to face up for our rights,” Eszter Rein Bodi stated.
“None of us are free till everyone seems to be free,” one signal learn.
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Some extra pictures from this afternoon’s satisfaction march in Budapest…
Individuals cross Elisabeth Bridge in the course of the Budapest Satisfaction March in Budapest, Hungary. {Photograph}: Bernadett Szabó/ReutersAn individual holds an indication as individuals attend The Budapest Satisfaction March in Budapest, Hungary, June 28, 2025. {Photograph}: Lisa Leutner/ReutersAn individual attends The Budapest Satisfaction March in Budapest, Hungary. {Photograph}: Lisa Leutner/ReutersShareHelen Davidson
Taiwan’s vice-president has stated she won’t be intimidated after stories by Czech intelligence that Chinese language officers deliberate to stage a automobile collision when she was in Prague final 12 months.
Hsiao Bi-khim visited the Czech Republic in March 2024, within the first abroad go to by her and Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, after successful the election in January. It was reported on the time {that a} Chinese language diplomat had run a pink mild whereas following her automobile – underneath police escort – from the airport.
This week Prague intelligence officers advised native media that the incident was a part of a a lot bigger and escalatory plan by Chinese language diplomats and intelligence officers figuring out of the embassy in Prague, which included getting ready to stage an obvious automobile collision.
On Saturday, Hsiao thanked Czech authorities for guaranteeing her security in the course of the go to. “The CCP’s illegal actions will NOT intimidate me from voicing Taiwan’s pursuits within the worldwide group,” she stated in a social media submit.
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Poland’s departing president Andrzej Duda visited Ukraine on Saturday and urged Kyiv to be affected person in the course of the handover to his nationalist successor, Karol Nawrocki.
Polish president-elect Nawrocki has stated he’s dedicated to maintain serving to Ukraine’s defences towards Russia’s invasion, however has signalled a potential shift in Warsaw’s place by opposing Kyiv becoming a member of Western alliances corresponding to Nato.
“Please be affected person,” Duda advised reporters at a press convention with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “The world appears to be like totally different from behind the presidential desk, barely totally different from what it appears to be like prefer to a candidate in elections.”
Zelenskyy stated he would “after all” invite Nawrocki to Ukraine after he assumes workplace.
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Up to date at 10.30 EDT
Listed here are a few of the first pictures in from the Budapest satisfaction match this afternoon…
Individuals attend The Budapest Satisfaction March in Budapest, Hungary, June 28, 2025 {Photograph}: Lisa Leutner/ReutersA placard with a crossed out picture depicting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is pictured as individuals collect for The Budapest Satisfaction March in Budapest. {Photograph}: Bernadett Szabó/ReutersIndividuals holding a cross and non secular books stroll amongst contributors within the Satisfaction march in Budapest. {Photograph}: Rudolf Karancsi/APShare
A dwell feed of the Satisfaction march in Budapest is now obtainable on the high of this weblog, you could have to refresh the web page to see it there.
You can even watch it right here:
Budapest hosts annual Satisfaction march of LGBTQ communities – watch dwellShare
Europe on alert as first main heatwave of 2025 pushes temperatures to 42C
Sam Jones
Authorities throughout Europe are on alert as the primary heatwave of the summer time pushes temperatures as much as 42C (107.6F), because the fastest-warming continent continues to endure the results of the local weather emergency.
Spain’s state meteorological workplace, Aemet, issued a particular warmth warning on Friday, saying temperatures may attain 42C in some southern areas of the nation over the approaching days.
“Very excessive and chronic temperatures are anticipated, each in the course of the day and at evening, which may pose a threat to uncovered and/or weak individuals,” Aemet stated.
Madrid’s well being ministry additionally warned individuals to take additional care within the warmth, reminding them to remain out of the solar, hold hydrated and pay shut consideration to those that are older, pregnant or who’ve power well being situations.
Two-thirds of Portugal can be on excessive alert on Sunday for excessive warmth and forest fires as temperatures of as much as 42C are anticipated in Lisbon. As temperatures in Marseille method 40C, authorities in France’s second-largest metropolis have ordered public swimming swimming pools to be made freed from cost to assist residents beat the Mediterranean warmth.
With peaks of 39C anticipated in Naples and Palermo, Sicily has ordered a ban on out of doors work within the hottest hours of the day, as has the Liguria area in northern Italy. The nation’s commerce unions are campaigning to increase the measure to different areas.
In Venice – which has performed host to the lavish three-day marriage ceremony celebrations of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his spouse, Lauren Sánchez, friends, guests and protesters are feeling the warmth. “I attempt not to consider it, however I drink a whole lot of water and by no means keep nonetheless, as a result of that’s if you get sunstroke,” Sriane Mina, an Italian pupil, advised Agence France-Presse within the metropolis.
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Crowds are starting to assemble in Budapest, listed here are a few of the newest pictures coming by means of from photographers on the bottom…
A participant in Budapest, Hungary. {Photograph}: Rudolf Karancsi/APIndividuals on the Satisfaction march in Budapest, Hungary. {Photograph}: Rudolf Karancsi/APShare
Up to date at 09.29 EDT
Lunchtime abstract
File numbers of persons are anticipated to participate in Budapest Satisfaction on Saturday. Hungarians will be a part of forces with campaigners and politicians from throughout Europe within the march that has change into a potent image of pushback towards the Hungarian authorities’s regular rollback of rights. “This weekend, all eyes are on Budapest,” Hadja Lahbib, the European commissioner for equality, advised reporters within the Hungarian capital on Friday.
Organisers of Budapest Satisfaction, which this 12 months will mark its thirtieth anniversary, stated the federal government was trying to limit peaceable protests by concentrating on them. “This occasion was one of many necessary milestones of the LGBTQ group,” stated its spokesperson Máté Hegedüs.
Nicolae Ștefănuță, the vice-president of the European parliament, on Friday referred to as on police to respect these attending the Budapest Satisfaction march. “I want to say that the police and establishments of the state have an obligation to guard the residents,” he stated. “It’s as clear as potential.”
The European Fee president, Ursula von der Leyen, this week joined requires Hungarian authorities to permit the occasion to go forward. Hungarian prime minister Victor Orbán was swift to hit again, likening it to receiving orders from Moscow in communist instances.
Climate warnings for this weekend have been issued for big components of the Mediterranean area, with temperatures anticipated to get above 40 levels celsius this weekend. AFP reported that in Spain, emergency medical employees readied to cope with an anticipated surge in heatstroke instances, notably amongst weak teams corresponding to kids, aged individuals and folks with power diseases.
Polish president Andrzej Duda arrived in Kyiv on Saturday for a gathering with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Duda’s workplace stated, as Kyiv goals to construct help amongst allies at a important juncture in its grinding struggle with Russia. Duda, a vocal supporter of Ukraine whose time period ends in August, was greeted on the prepare station by overseas minister Andrii Sybiha, who referred to as the Polish chief “Ukraine’s true pal”.
Two individuals have been killed and a minimum of 14 wounded when a Russian drone smashed right into a residential high-rise in Ukraine’s Black Sea metropolis of Odesa, authorities stated on Saturday. Three kids have been among the many wounded within the in a single day assault, with one in important situation, stated regional governor Oleh Kiper.
Russian forces have taken management of the settlement of Chervona Zirka in Ukraine’s japanese Donetsk area, the Russian defence ministry stated on Saturday.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are getting ready for the final get together of their three-day marriage ceremony festivities in Venice as demonstrators mobilise for a last protest towards the couple’s opulent nuptials within the Italian lagoon metropolis. The Amazon founder, 61, and the previous TV journalist, 55, exchanged vows in entrance of round 200 superstar friends in a black-tie ceremony on the close by island of San Giorgio Maggiore on Friday night.
ShareLisa O’Carroll
The EU should provide you with a extra assertive response to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the violations of worldwide regulation, the bloc’s former chief diplomat has stated.
In a strongly worded article, Josep Borrell stated the EU had a “obligation” to intervene and should provide you with its personal concerted plan to finish the struggle as an alternative of counting on the US.
“Europe can not afford to linger on the margins,” he stated within the article that was co-authored with Kalypso Nicolaïdis, an occasional adviser to the EU and professorial chair in worldwide affairs on the Florence college of transnational governance on the European College Institute. “The EU wants a concerted plan.
“Not solely is Europe’s personal safety at stake, however extra necessary, European historical past imposes an obligation on Europeans to intervene in response to Israel’s violations of worldwide regulation,” they are saying, including: “Europeans can’t keep the hapless fools on this tragic story, allotting money with their eyes closed.”
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Here’s a map outlining the Budapest satisfaction march route…
Map exhibiting Budapest satisfaction routeMap exhibiting Budapest satisfaction routeShare
The Related Press has extra on that in a single day drone strike in Odesa, Ukraine:
Two individuals died and a minimum of 17 extra have been injured as Russian drones in a single day struck the southern Ukrainian port metropolis of Odesa, Ukrainian authorities stated on Saturday.
A drone slammed right into a residential tower block within the metropolis, inflicting injury to a few flooring and trapping residents, emergency companies stated.
The 2 killed within the assault have been a married couple, in keeping with regional governor Oleh Kiper, who added that three kids have been among the many injured.
There was no fast remark from Moscow. In keeping with Russia’s protection ministry, over 40 Ukrainian drones have been shot down in a single day and on Saturday morning, over western Russia and Kremlin-occupied Crimea.
Two useless and a minimum of 14 injured in Russian drone assault on Odesa – videoShare
The German authorities seeks to hurry up defence procurement by simplifying authorized procedures, fostering European cooperation and facilitating orders to start-ups to make its navy combat-ready, in keeping with a draft regulation seen by Reuters late on Friday.
The speedy surge of the German navy’s capabilities “should not fail attributable to overly advanced procurement procedures or prolonged authorisation processes”, the doc stated, whereas warning of indicators that Moscow’s struggle goals attain past Ukraine.
At a Nato summit in The Hague, leaders on Wednesday agreed to hike the alliance’s defence spending goal to five% of nationwide GDP, with 3.5% devoted to core defence and 1.5% to associated safety points.
German chancellor Friedrich Merz’s authorities on Tuesday accredited a funds framework which is anticipated to see Berlin’s complete navy spending rise from 95 billion euros in 2025 to 162 billion euros in 2029, equalling 3.5% of GDP.
The brand new defence procurement regulation is a part of efforts to hurry up navy purchases that previously have been affected by prolonged delays, venture failures and value overshoots.
The draft regulation determines that each one procurement that contributes to Europe and Nato’s navy readiness inherently touches upon very important nationwide safety, which constitutes a foundation to invoke an exemption underneath European public procurement regulation.
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